Community News Roundup

August 24, 2007|By Sun-Sentinel and Forum Publishing Group staff

Coconut Creek

Residents may apply to join disaster team

The city is accepting applications for residents wanting to join the Community Emergency Response Team. CERT members will be activated before, during, and after disasters to assist the community as needed.

The next CERT training class will be 6:30 to 10 p.m. Tuesdays from Sept. 11 to Nov. 20 at the Recreation Complex, 4455 Sol Press Blvd.

Training will include disaster preparedness, fire suppression, light search-and-rescue, pre- and post-storm CERT operations, disaster medical training and first aid, including CPR and the use of an automated external defibrillator.

Those interested in signing up are asked to send an e-mail to ccardenas@coconutcreek.net with "CERT Member" in the subject line. Include your full name, address, subdivision and phone number in the e-mail.

Applicants must be 18 or older, in good physical condition and city residents.

Coral Springs

Homestead application help offered Saturday

The Broward County Property Appraiser's office will offer taxpayers assistance in applying for homestead and other property tax exemptions from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the Northwest Regional Library, 3151 University Drive.

Applicants must bring a Florida driver's license or ID card; a Broward voter registration or a declaration of domicile; Social Security numbers of all owners; and a copy of the recorded deed or a copy of a tax bill. Resident aliens must bring a permanent resident green card or proof of asylum.

Visit www.bcpa.net or call 954-357-6035.

Davie

NSU run-walk promotes health and awareness

Registration is ongoing for Nova Southeastern University's second annual Shark Shuffle 5K Run and Walk, set for 7:30 a.m. Sept. 23. Children can participate as well on their own fun-run course at 8:30 a.m.

The event is designed to promote health and wellness among the NSU community and to raise grant money for participating students.

The community is invited and may register for $20. On-site registration is $25 and begins at 6 a.m. race day. Free food and drinks will be available to all participants, and the first 500 to register are guaranteed a free T-shirt.

The Shark Shuffle route is accessible to people with disabilities. NSU students, alumni, employees and their immediate family members can register for $12.

Registration can be completed online at www.rec.nova.edu/sharkshuffle.html, or in person at the RecPlex, located in the University Center on NSU's main campus, 3301 College Ave.

Call 954-262-7021.

Fort Lauderdale

Unique hotel lobby hit by wrecking ball

An architecturally unique hotel lobby that was the subject of passionate efforts to save it from demolition, was torn down this week.

The 1964 Americana Inn, more recently a Best Western, at 2150 SW 17th St., was demolished on Tuesday, the Broward Trust for Historic Preservation said.

The futuristic structure was an example of mid-century modern architecture, the signature design in Broward County. It was believed to be designed by noted local architect Charles McKirahan Sr. before his death in 1964.

The trust had a contract with the hotel owner, local developer and attorney Ron Mastriana, to preserve the lobby. He agreed to give the group $100,00 to help move it, if they could do so by May 1.

But the trust needed some $2 million for the move, and couldn't come up with the money. Ultimately, Mastriana's 17th Street Marina Investments sued the trust and its president, Diana Smart. Under the settlement, the trust withdrew its application for official historic status for the lobby.

Mastriana and Tom Gonzales plan a hotel-marina project called The Sails at the Best Western/Pink City Plaza site. The City Commission rejected The Sails in June. Mastriana gave the city notice of legal action earlier this month, saying the city will be on the hook for $59 million - the estimated market value - if The Sails doesn't get its requested approval.

Hollywood

Federal funds would go to command vehicle gear

Hollywood could be in line for $400,000 in federal funding.

The money would go toward equipment in Hollywood's mobile command/communications vehicle, which is used by public safety personnel to respond to natural disasters, crime scene incidents, critical incidents and large special events.

An appropriation for the project is working its way through the federal budget process in Washington, said U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Weston.

The spending item must still get approved by the Senate and signed into law by the president.